Duct Tape Delight

In the eternal search to simplify life to its frugal essence, one can't seek money saving options for long without discovering the multi-purposed, fabric-reinforced, pressure-sensitive adhesive agent otherwise known as duct tape. 

This beauty of a catchall device sprang into being during World War II and has faithfully occupied prime real estate in storage sheds nationwide. It is water resistant, resealable and can be found propping up a plastic tarp on many a busted car window. Plus you can find funky new colors to add some pizzazz.

You need to know how to wield this vital tool to your advantage. After all, one only needs two tools in life: WD-40 to make things go and duct tape to make them stop. Jump on the duct tape cult bandwagon and save some serious cash.

1. Indoor Household Repairs
If you have a leaky hose on your home vacuum, slap some duct tape on it. Monitor the tear if you flex the hose regularly -- after a few months you may need to reapply new strip. Is your cable remote as flimsy as mine is? A pretty piece of tape will keep the batteries tucked away indefinitely. 

Obviously, the adhesive is great for repairing heating ducts, hence the name. Cover any holes in inflatable beds or pool floats with a quick application. Forget using the patch provided with the device, they never hold and it's nearly impossible to locate the hole. 

My favorite use: Substitute for the lame chip clip. A strip of tape will preserve your Cheetos until late night cravings strike. Experiment with sealing windows and doors in extreme temperatures to save big dough on utilities.

2. The Great Outdoors
When the garden hose springs a leak, reach for a roll of tape. Always take some tape on a camping trip to use for tent rips or even makeshift bandages in an emergency. 

Is your back car window broken? Cut a tarp the size of the opening and fasten securely with some tape--ride in style with the pink variety. If the tail light cover pops off, don't leave it parked until you can afford a repair. Grab some duct tape and strap it back to avoid a ticket. Avid hockey players can keep sticks in better condition longer with a healthy layer of tape around the bottom.  

3. High Fashion
Duct tape can repair sandals and protect your closed-toe shoes -- if you'll be travelling through water, wrap those Lady Foot Lockers in tape and wade away without worries. 

If you were late with your back-to-school free shipping coupons and the selection was picked over, add some flair to your binder or schoolbooks, plus keep them in tip-top shape with various colors. 

Duct tape prom dresses and tuxes are totally en vogue as are accessories and flip-flops. An unsightly rip can be quickly mended with a strip placed inside the clothing. 

4. Mark Your Territory
Put a giant "X" on your luggage or backpack to keep wandering hands from claiming your "damaged" suitcase. Mark the back of your shirt with tape to serve as a reflector if you're out walking or cycling at night.  

5. Uber Creative Uses
From fake wallets and handbags to flowers and leg weights, the sky is the limit for duct tape. The Duct Tape Guys have a hilarious trove of information well worth surfing. Some folks even swear that several applications of duct tape actually remove plantar warts. 

One gal with a prosthetic leg re-adhered a broken foot and walked on it for two weeks before a permanent fix. Another unfortunate soul caught in a broken deer stand actually taped himself in the tree!

Duck Products sponsors a yearly "Stuck at Prom" scholarship contest for creative prom goers who aren't afraid to be original. Duck Tape Club  offers several other contests that feature submissions crafted with the popular adhesive.

Photo by anonymous